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Creamy Tuscan Butter Beans with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Basil Recipe

Avatar photoBySusan Miller
Jump to Recipe· 4.8 from 66 reviews
Creamy Tuscan Butter Beans with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Basil Recipe

If you’re craving a dish that feels like a warm, comforting hug in a bowl, this Creamy Tuscan Butter Beans with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Basil Recipe is exactly what you need. It combines buttery beans, rich creaminess, and vibrant herbs to create a flavor-packed meal that feels both indulgent and wholesome.

Why You Should Make This Recipe

Comforting and creamy: The luscious sauce clings to tender butter beans, delivering a satisfying and cozy bite every time.
Simple yet impressive ingredients: With pantry staples like garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh basil, you can whip this up anytime and impress without fuss.
Versatile and forgiving: Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, or a dairy lover, options like coconut cream and nutritional yeast make it easy to customize.
Perfect for any meal: Serve it as a hearty lunch, a side dish, or even a light dinner – it adapts beautifully to your plans.

The image shows a close-up of a creamy bean dish in a black pan, with a thick orange sauce coating smooth white beans. The dish has small, dark red pieces scattered throughout, adding a dry texture, and sprinkled green leafy herbs for freshness. There are also little black pepper flakes on top, giving a speckled look across the creamy beans and sauce. The pan sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Creamy Tuscan Butter Beans with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Basil, vegetarian bean dishes, healthy bean recipes, comforting Italian side dish, vegan butter bean recipes

Ingredients & Substitutions

This recipe shines because of its simple yet essential components, each adding something distinct – from the richness of the cream to the bright punch of sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil. Together, they create a balanced dish that sings with both flavor and texture.

Flat lay of plump butter beans, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, fresh bright green basil leaves, diced translucent onion, peeled garlic cloves, a small heap of grated Parmesan cheese, a splash of creamy white heavy cream, and a scattering of red pepper flakes, all beautifully arranged with vibrant colors and natural textures, placed on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Creamy Tuscan Butter Beans with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Basil, vegetarian bean dishes, healthy bean recipes, comforting Italian side dish, vegan butter bean recipes
  • Olive Oil: A good-quality extra virgin olive oil brings depth and richness to your sautéed aromatics.
  • Garlic and Onion: These build the flavor foundation with their aromatic presence.
  • Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Intensely flavored, they add tang and a chewy texture that contrasts beautifully with the creamy sauce.
  • Butter Beans: Creamy and mild, they absorb the savory sauce perfectly without overpowering the dish.
  • Heavy Cream or Coconut Cream: Choose heavy cream for richness or coconut cream for a vegan twist without sacrificing creaminess.
  • Parmesan Cheese or Nutritional Yeast: Parmesan adds a nutty, salty finish; nutritional yeast offers a cheesy flavor for a vegan option.
  • Fresh Basil: The herbaceous freshness brightens every mouthful and lifts the whole dish.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

How to Make Creamy Tuscan Butter Beans with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Basil Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and diced onion, then sauté them gently until they become fragrant and translucent, about 2 to 3 minutes. This step awakens the flavors that form the base of your sauce, so don’t rush it!

Step 2: Create the Creamy Sauce

Next, stir in your chopped sun-dried tomatoes and let them mingle with the aromatics for 1 to 2 minutes. Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and carefully bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat and gently blend in the heavy cream (or coconut cream), allowing the sauce to soften and thicken slightly as it heats.

Step 3: Add the Butter Beans

Now for the star of the dish: fold in the rinsed and drained butter beans, making sure each one gets cozied up in the creamy sauce. Let them simmer together for 5 to 7 minutes to absorb all those beautiful Tuscan flavors while the beans soften just a bit more.

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce

Add the grated Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast, stirring well. This will naturally thicken the sauce and deepen the savory profile. If the sauce gets too thick for your liking, simply adjust the consistency with a splash more broth. Finish with a sprinkle of black pepper, salt, Italian seasoning, and optional red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.

Step 5: Finish with Fresh Herbs

Lastly, fold in the freshly chopped basil leaves to infuse the dish with vibrant herbal notes and a pop of color. This simple addition instantly elevates the entire dish, making it feel fresh and bright.

How to Serve Creamy Tuscan Butter Beans with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Basil Recipe

The image shows a close-up of a black skillet filled with creamy gnocchi in a thick orange sauce. The gnocchi are plump and covered in the sauce, which has a smooth texture with a slightly glossy finish. There are small green herb pieces sprinkled on top along with bits of dried red chili, adding contrast with bright green and deep red colors. The surface has some black pepper flakes scattered on it, creating a speckled effect. The skillet sits on a white marbled texture, with some green leaves and spices around the edges for decoration. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Creamy Tuscan Butter Beans with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Basil, vegetarian bean dishes, healthy bean recipes, comforting Italian side dish, vegan butter bean recipes

Garnishes

For garnishing, sprinkle a few extra fresh basil leaves and a light dusting of grated Parmesan over the top. A drizzle of good olive oil can add a glossy finish and a touch of indulgence. If you love a bit of heat, a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes scattered on top will bring a lively contrast.

Side Dishes

This creamy Tuscan favorite pairs wonderfully with crusty artisan bread — perfect for sopping up every luscious drop of sauce. You can also serve it alongside grilled vegetables or a simple green salad for a well-rounded meal that’s bursting with Mediterranean vibes.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the dish in rustic shallow bowls topped with microgreens or edible flowers for color and texture. You might also enjoy spooning it over creamy polenta or alongside roasted potatoes to add some hearty comfort while keeping the spotlight on those divine flavors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making the next-day meal even more delicious and comforting!

Freezing

This Creamy Tuscan Butter Beans with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Basil Recipe freezes well if you want to save portions for later. Just make sure to cool it completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. It will keep for up to 2 months, making it a perfect make-ahead comfort meal.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to prevent the sauce from separating. Add a splash of broth or cream if it needs a little loosening up for that fresh-from-the-pan creaminess.

FAQs

  1. Can I make this dish vegan?

    Absolutely! Swap out the heavy cream for coconut cream and replace Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast to keep it creamy and cheesy without any dairy.

  2. What can I substitute for butter beans?

    Great alternatives include cannellini beans or navy beans, which have a similar creamy texture that works perfectly in this recipe.

  3. Can this recipe be served cold or as a salad?

    While best enjoyed warm, you can chill the dish and serve it as a bean salad with fresh basil for a refreshing, summery option.

  4. How spicy is this recipe?

    The red pepper flakes are optional, so you can easily control the heat. Without them, the dish is mild and comforting, perfect for any palate.

Final Thoughts

Trust me, this Creamy Tuscan Butter Beans with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Basil Recipe is a winner every single time. It’s an effortless way to bring a touch of Tuscan warmth and richness to your table that feels homemade and heartfelt. Give it a try — your taste buds will definitely thank you for this delicious, creamy treat!

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Creamy Tuscan Butter Beans with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Basil Recipe

Creamy Tuscan Butter Beans with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Basil Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.8 from 66 reviews
  • Author: Susan
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Vegetarian
Print Recipe

Description

Creamy Tuscan Marry Me Butter Beans is a comforting dish featuring tender butter beans simmered in a rich, garlicky cream sauce infused with sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and fresh basil. This versatile recipe offers both a traditional version with Parmesan cheese and a vegan alternative with coconut cream and nutritional yeast, making it suitable for diverse dietary preferences.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Base Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
  • 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream or coconut cream for a vegan option

Beans and Cheese

  • 2 cans (15 oz each) butter beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese or 3 tablespoons nutritional yeast for a vegan version

Seasonings and Garnish

  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt, adjust to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped, plus extra for garnish

Instructions

  1. Sauté the Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and diced onion, stirring occasionally until fragrant and translucent, about 2 to 3 minutes.
  2. Create the Creamy Sauce: Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 1 to 2 minutes to release their flavors. Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring it to a simmer. Reduce the heat and carefully stir in the heavy cream or coconut cream to form a creamy base.
  3. Add the Butter Beans: Gently fold in the rinsed and drained butter beans, ensuring each bean is fully coated in the sauce. Let the mixture simmer for 5 to 7 minutes to allow the beans to absorb the rich flavors of the sauce.
  4. Thicken the Sauce: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast, which will naturally thicken the sauce. Adjust the sauce consistency by adding more broth if it’s too thick.
  5. Finish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle the chopped fresh basil over the dish and stir gently for a burst of freshness, then garnish with additional basil leaves before serving.

Notes

  • For a vegan version, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan cheese.
  • Adjust salt according to the saltiness of your broth and Parmesan cheese.
  • Add red pepper flakes if you prefer a bit of heat.
  • Serve this dish as a main course or a hearty side paired with crusty bread or a green salad.
  • The dish can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
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